Translocal Matters: Socially engaged arts and design on the borderlands

The TRANSMAT project is an exercise in social innovation which envisions empowering contemporary art and design as transformative tools, in showcasing and disseminating knowledge about the social, ecological, and economic effects of the regional development of the cities of Debrecen and Timisoara and their surroundings. Additionally, the project aims to enhance public understanding about the importance of culture for the common good, through a set of tools and activities that use the visual prowess and methodologies of contemporary art and design. This initiative uses contemporary infrastructure, art&design, and academic research to transform knowledge into cultural artefacts. The project has the following objectives: - To contribute to generating a better understanding of the region (RO+HU), art, and design at the public level for all ages. - To consolidate public trust and curiosity in the fields of arts & design and partner institutions – and culture in general. - To empower and unite artists and designers at different career stages, performing across Europe. - To test and consolidate a scalable collaboration methodology for future European partner institutions. - To develop long-term connections between the stakeholders of the project, generating a cross-border network of creative professionals. JUSTIFICATION The project aims to achieve cross-border cooperation between two regions that share similar backgrounds, including common historical roots and identities, as well as similar economic development levels. The two cities also face similar territorial issues, such as a pragmatic, educated population with limited interest in non-conservatory cultural narratives, despite political ambitions around cultural relevance (Debrecen has an old commitment to become a European Capital of Culture, while Timisoara was one in 2023). The project strategically intersects traditional and contemporary reflections on contextual economic development, seeking to employ art and design as catalysts for positive societal change. By fostering knowledge, creativity, inter-professional and inter-cultural collaboration and critical capacity, TRANSMAT tackles identified challenges while embracing opportunities. MAIN OUTPUTS - The building of the MODEM centre will undergo a modernization process of the indoor spaces for future exhibitions with an extension of 1340 m2 hall and those spaces which serve the acceptance of the visitors in the framework of improving the energy efficiency aspect. - Development of roofed pavilion becoming more weathered safe. FABER can take a diverse series of events and content into the public eye. The pavilion also plays an important role in the project, as it is a space where various activities can be developed directly under the public eye. - Development of one innovative and complex cultural program in arts and design, with a travelling exhibition at its core. - Contribution to the extension of the tourist goals of the cities and the regions and the regions via Joint Cooperation and Strategy. - The partners anticipate a significant increase in visitors to their cultural venues (from 45.000 to 47.000 visitors), contributing to enhanced cultural experiences. The project will use actions based on the methodology of (1) capacity building, exchanging of experiences among cross-border actors supporting the green and digital transformation, the resiliency and sustainability along the borderlands between Debrecen and Timisoara; (2) Secondly the project will highlight the needs of building up intercultural and transcultural ties with local stakeholders (education, authorities, public institutions, inhabitants in the cities and along the regions etc.) using tools of joint events, cultural initiatives. FINAL BENEFICIARIES As a result of the project's activities, stakeholders can be categorized into two groups: 1. Artists, designers, and architects who contribute to the project's creative work. 2. The residents of the region, tourists, and society within the cities and along the border’s territory as a whole benefit from the project's results. MODEM and FABER will utilize contemporary art and design to measure their impact on social acceptance, aligning with the inclusiveness principles of the New European Bauhaus. The project aims to promote dialogue across cultures, disciplines, genders, and ages while exploring contributions to sustainable tourism growth. The project's stakeholders include artists, designers, and architects contributing creatively, and the residents, tourists, and society benefit from the project's results. In conclusion, the TRANSMAT project not only addresses cultural challenges but also promotes socio-economic growth. By integrating contemporary art and design, the project aims to create a lasting impact, fostering inclusivity and sustainable development along border of Romania-Hungary

In WP1, data will be gathered, questions will be asked, and the socio-economic-ecological context will be analysed from a cultural perspective. The research results will be used to create 16 new artefacts. The WP is linked to the project's main specific objectives, which involve exchanging experiences across borders, supporting social inclusion, and developing and consolidating research-based Art&Design contemporary practice. Through the joint actions like the joint research, the Eastern European Nomadic School for Art & Design, Art and Design Regional Cooperation. Based on transferring of knowledge, the research will be extended to include two pillars, deliver outcomes through art and design. The WP generates a series of tools of exploration that engage with the general public, researchers, students, artists and designers with the scope of bridging territories, perceptions, ages and professions. The main objective of this work package is to promote social inclusion for local residents in cities, as well as those living in surrounding regions and along the border. Specifically, the project aims to achieve this by adhering to principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination, and by involving both elders and youth in contemporary arts and design activities to interpret cultural values through participatory walks, workshops, and dissemination activities in schools, retirement homes, and nursery schools (e.g. Space is yours PLUS, the Civic engagement and the Mediation programs). The toolkit for educational purposes will be an outcome of the project, as it will contribute to the dissemination of project outcomes and serve as a resource for educational institutions and mediators working towards social inclusion. The objective of WP3 is to promote the cultural values of the two cities through art and design. This will be done by fostering social inclusion and reaching out to residents and surrounding regions. To achieve this, a joint opening and closing ceremony with regional and international guests will be organized. 16 new artworks that interpret the impacts of socio-economic transformation on cities and the cross-border area. Social inclusion will be endured by involving residents, and communities along the border. There will be a closing ceremony and a two-day conference in Debrecen. The expected measurable change from these activities includes increased awareness of the cultural values of the cities, fostering social inclusion and community engagement, and the dissemination of art and design interpretations of socio-economic transformation. The success of the project will be measured through metrics such as visitor attendance, public engagement, participant feedback, and media coverage.